The starshell yielded mixed results. The enemies that were wearing helmets did not react. It was likely the helmets blocked out the excess light to protect their eyes. Those that did not have their eyes protected dropped their weapons and covered their eyes, some dropping to the ground, whether due to the shock or because they tripped over something. Avitus took the chance and raised his Mattock. With his left side covered by the rubble, he swept from right to left, picking off the stunned individuals, taking them out of the action before they could recover. It barely made a dent in their numbers. As he ejected the thermal clip, he realised something. Even in the light of the dying flare, the red hot thermal clip stood out like a sore thumb. Avitus slid down to fully cover himself just as a hail of fire swept across his cover. The unmistakeable sound of an M-76 Revenant answered the attack and silenced the attacker. Taras was vigilant and very good at his job.
“Careful with the clips, looks like even night crawlers aren’t completely blind.”
“So I have noticed.” Avitus barked back, “Have you seen the krogan? I lost track of him when the shooting started.”
“He was to my right. Than someone turned off the lights and I had more important things on my mind.”
“We’d better pull back from this open field. FInd yourself a better position, I’ve got your back. Onco you’re set, I’ll come to you.”

Taras picked a slightly elevated position. Tapping Avitus’ shoulder he sprinted out of the cover and headed for it. When he reached his destination he slid to a halt, only to realized his position was occupied by two quarians, their suits torn open in several spots.Taras recognized one of the corpses as the quarian pathfinder by her suit. His own armor took on a shade of red when he landed in their remains. “Ugh, der'mo, I’m here, but be careful.” he warned Avitus and turned to provide cover.

Now that the flare has died off and the world was plunged into darkness once again, the hostile soldiers were trying to close in. Some of them seemed determined to reach the position where the flare was fired from, perhaps to see who did it and make sure they wouldn’t do it again. If that were the case, it landed Avitus in a bad spot. Unable to move because of the advancing forces, yet staying would mean death or capture. He didn’t know which would be worse.